Using a Web-Based Nutrition Algorithm in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to test the ability of a newly developed nutrition algorithm on (1) clinical utility and (2) ability to capture patient outcomes. Research Design: This was a prospective observational study, using a practice based research network structure, involving renal dietitians and hemodialysis [HD] patients. Setting: This study took place in HD outpatient units in five different countries. Subjects: Hundred chronic HD patients were included in this study. To select subjects, dietitians screened and consented patients in their facilities until 4 patients "at nutrition risk" based on the algorithm screening tool were identified. Inclusion criteria were patients aged older than 19years, not on hospice or equivalent, able to read the informed consent and ask questions, and receiving HD. Main Outcome Measure: The ability of the algorithm screening tool is to identify patients at nutrition risk, to guide clinicians in logical renal-modified nutrition care process chains including follow-up on relevant parameters, and capture change in outcomes over 3months. Statistics were performed using SPSS version 20.0 and significance was set at P